| WILLARD |
The Pertinent Willard Genealogy:
Benjamin Willard began making clocks in his small, rural Massachusetts workshop in 1766. His three younger brothers, Simon, Ephraim and Aaron, quickly learned the trade and began a three-generation clockmaking legacy in the Grafton workshop. Today, over 70 Willard clocks are exhibited in the birthplace and original workshop of the Willard clockmakers, along with family portraits, furnishings and other Willard family heirlooms. Various Willard style clocks include: Turret, Gallery, Skeleton, Tall Case, Regulator, Eddystone Lighthouse, Act of Parliament, Lyre, Massachusetts Shelf, Improved Timepiece and 30-Hour Primitives.
Curator: Mr. John R. Stephens Hours:
Tuesday through Saturday 10AM to 4 PM : Sunday 1PM to 4PM : CLOSED
MONDAY
On display in the Cold Chamber are two Benjamin Willard tall case clocks, a Simon Willard Eddystone Lighthouse Clock, a Simon Willard, Jr. Improved Timepiece and an 18th century pencil post bed fitted with crewel-stitched period hangings and a "linsey-woolsey" quilt.
The Clock Manufactory
Benjamin Willard opened his "Clock Manufactory" in 1766 after a two year association with Benjamin Cheney in East Hartford, Connecticut. Displayed in the workshop are a variety of Willard movements and finished clocks, as well as 18th century American and English clock making tools.
Benjamin Willard, Sr., father of the clockmakers, added the parlor in 1755. The room, with original wide plank floor boards, displays a circa 1790 portrait of Simon Willard, a variety of Willard clocks and 18th century country furniture.
constructed in 1718 by Joseph Willard, grandfather of the Willard clockmakers, is furnished with two Simon Willard/Grafton primitive 30-hour clocks, a Simon Willard clock jack, 18th century country furniture, period kitchen appliances and a large collection of 18th century English and American pewter.
